Dealing with Generator-Induced Issues: A Guide for Office and Home Use

Many of us find ourselves using backup generators due to power outages or emergencies. However, the quality of the generator and the type of power it produces can significantly impact the longevity and performance of our electronic devices. This article discusses common problems that arise with generators, particularly in relation to old and new furnaces, and provides solutions to ensure the best possible outcome for your electronic equipment.

Generator Quality Matters: Old vs. New Systems

When a furnace fails to work while a generator is operational, this often indicates a problem with the type of power being generated by the generator. One common issue is that older generators can produce what is often referred to as dirty electricity. This type of energy can be detrimental to your electronic devices, potentially shortening their lifespan and even causing damage. Fluctuations or inconsistencies in the power supply can cause a variety of issues, from malfunctioning alarms and clocks to more severe problems with complex electronic devices.

Dirty Electricity and Its Effects

Dirty electricity refers to power that is not a clean sine wave but instead includes harmonics, spikes, and other irregularities. These imperfections can cause chaos in electronic circuits and systems. For instance, a noisy generator with dirty electricity can fry fluorescent light ballasts, induction motors, and other electronic components. This is why it is crucial to ensure that your generator produces a clean sine wave for sensitive electronic devices.

Electrical Filters: A Potential Solution?

One might think that a simple electrical filter would solve the problem of dirty electricity. However, filters are not always effective, primarily because they cannot completely rectify the root issue of non-pure power. An electrical filter can help reduce fluctuations, but it is unlikely to make the generator's output suitable for complex electronics. If your old furnace was working with a generator, it is indicative that there was some level of noise in the power supply, which might be too severe to manage with a filter alone.

Alternative Solutions: UPSs and Generators with Inverters

A more effective approach is to upgrade to a better quality generator, especially one that outputs pure sine wave power. Some generators come with built-in inverters, which can convert the AC power produced by the generator into a clean sine wave. This is crucial for device compatibility, as electronic devices with electronic controls often need pure sine wave power to function optimally.

Additionally, uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) can act as line conditioners, absorbing fluctuations and stabilizing the power supply. During the 2021 Texas winter storm, one user detailed their experience of using a UPS to condition the power for their generator before supplying it to the furnace. By connecting the generator to a UPS and then directing the conditioned power to the furnace via a "surge only" side of a UPS, the user was able to successfully power their furnace. This method has proven to be successful with certain brands, such as those produced by APC.

Ensuring Compatibility with New Furnaces

If you are dealing with a new furnace that has electronic controls, it is essential to ensure that the power supply is clean and stable. To protect your new furnace, it may be necessary to add a circuit-specific solution to smooth out the waveform or even replace the existing generator with one that has an inverter output. This will guarantee that your new furnace operates efficiently and safely without the risk of damage from dirty electricity.

Conclusion

While generators are indispensable when you need a constant power supply, it is critical to ensure they are of high quality and produce clean, stable power. Using filters alone may not be sufficient to protect sensitive electronic devices; instead, consider upgrading to a better generator or using line conditioners like UPSs to ensure the integrity of your power supply. By taking these preventive measures, you can maintain the longevity and performance of both your old and new electronic equipment.